Back Where I Belong

Chapter 43

Zoey's pov (three months later)

"Zoey, Peyton, meet your new baby boy," Lori, the nurse, says, passing a blue bundle over to me.

I hold my baby close to me, smiling down at him. Both Peyton and I had tears in our eyes. Our baby was finally here.

"Whenever you two are ready, then birth certificate is right here," Lori tells us. I nod, not looking away from my baby boy.

"I'll leave you three alone now. You can have visitors back whenever you're ready," she tells us. I nod again. She leaves.

"I think that the name we picked out is perfect for him," Peyton whispers, staring over my shoulder.

"I agree," I say, passing him over to Peyton, who cradles the baby to his chest, smiling widely.

I reach over and grab the birth certificate. I write down the name, my signature and pass it over to Peyton to sign. He reluctantly hands our son back to me so he could sign. And he was grabbing him back immediately after.

"We should let the others meet him now," I say, leaning my head back against the pillow. I close my eyes, absolutely exhausted.

"Are you sure, Zoey? You must be exhausted. We can wait if you want. I'm sure the others won't mind," Peyton says, looking at me with concern in his eyes.

I smile, "Thank you, but no thanks. I don't think Charlotte and Bryana are very happy about having to wait this long. Pass him back over here and go get them." Peyton nods, handing him back to me. He presses his lips to mine, giving me a quick kiss, before leaving the room to go get our family and friends.

"You're going to be a mommy's boy, right?" I whisper, gently stroking my child's cheek. He yawns. I smile.

"Oh my gosh," Bryana breathes, spotting the tiny baby in my arms. She and Char push through my brothers and Jace, rushing to get over here.

"He's so adorable. What's his name?" Bryana demands, trying to take the baby from my arms.

"You want to tell them?" I ask Peyton. He smiles and shrugs, before nodding.

"Guys," Peyton starts, "meet Connor Reed Irwin."

"That's so cute. Can I hold him now?" Charlotte begs, holding her arms out.

"I'm sorry Char, but Michael gets to hold him next. He was really helpful today," I tell my best friend. Michael shoves past Charlotte and carefully takes Connor out of my arms.

When I went into labor, I was home alone with Michael, playing video games. He managed to not freak out and curse too much. But he did get me to the hospital. I only found it fair that he got to hold him next.

"How are you feeling, Zoey?" Ashton asks, walking over to my side.

"Ecstatic, but completely exhausted. Giving birth is hard work," I reply, fighting to keep my eyes open.

"I can imagine. Get some sleep, little sis. Peyton is watching Connor. We won't be mad," Luke instructs.

"Are you guys sure?" I ask, hoping they'd says yes.

"Completely. Now go to bed little missy," Calum commands. I nod and allow my eyes to close.

Sleep immediately overtakes me.